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It's hard to project Xl's atm until we have a better grasp of what berhalter wants to do. I think if we continue to overload one wing with the ball we could play through CP on that wing a lot still, and that would help with getting the ball forward, but agreed that in a traditional 4231 that midfield could struggle.

Then again, Adams has shown a lot more ability in distribution/carrying the ball forward than I think most people thought he had in him. I just want to see him, Pulisic, McKennie, and Weah on the field in a way that makes sense, and kinda don't care what formation it takes. Get your best players on the field together and adapt to make it work.

Donor

It's hard to project Xl's atm until we have a better grasp of what berhalter wants to do. I think if we continue to overload one wing with the ball we could play through CP on that wing a lot still, and that would help with getting the ball forward, but agreed that in a traditional 4231 that midfield could struggle.

Then again, Adams has shown a lot more ability in distribution/carrying the ball forward than I think most people thought he had in him. I just want to see him, Pulisic, McKennie, and Weah on the field in a way that makes sense, and kinda don't care what formation it takes. Get your best players on the field together and adapt to make it work.

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But don’t we like Berhalter because he has a system and we can stick with that system throughout the ranks?

Donor

But don’t we like Berhalter because he has a system and we can stick with that system throughout the ranks?

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Not exactly. The thing to like was that he showed the ability to build one in Columbus and get everyone to buy into it. (And actually adapt to the players that he had; he actually made some significant changes the last couple years to the way they played iirc) That doesn't mean he has to/will do exactly the same thing with the MNT. Not getting to work with the players near as regularly as he would a club team makes that difficult, for one thing.

Consistency from the MNT on down is good, but that doesn't mean he has to be a one trick pony or do exactly what he did in Columbus. He can implement the best system he can come up with, then lay the groundwork for the YNT's afterward.

Donor

Gregg will use both fullbacks to push forward. It would be a true 3-3-4 going forward. Bradley would drop back between those CBs and Adams/Wes would be in that dual 8/10s role that he talked about after match 1. Over load one of the wings, draw in the defense, roatate the ball, nail the open shot. We saw those elements but Berhalter didn’t trust Lovitz going forward and we had no other options at LB. That first goal vs Panama is one I’m sure Shaun has seen a lot. I’ve been seeing a lot of people talking about Lima moving up to RB1 because he’s much better at comboing through the midfield than Yedlin but I need to see both in this system first. I think it would be great if we had more of an attack minded/creative midfielder but Lletget (who I really like) can’t carry a national team. The old guard (Benny, Nguyen, Sacha) can’t help anymore. And our savior (GLB) is still a few years away unfortunately.

Donor

Not exactly. The thing to like was that he showed the ability to build one in Columbus and get everyone to buy into it. (And actually adapt to the players that he had; he actually made some significant changes the last couple years to the way they played iirc)

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I’ll let SugarShaun comment because he’d be the most knowledgeable but I disagree. He’s always trusted his system and has put system>>>players. He’s had no problem letting Kei, Ola, Meram walk knowing he can recreate their production.

I have noticed them playing the long ball out of the back more over the last year and half due to Steffens proficiency in playing the long ball so that became a tactic of his. So when the defense cheats, expecting to play out of the back (why I like Zimmerman next to Brooks because they are our 2 best CB passers), he’d have Steffen play long to Zardes, who could knock it down Pipa, would would then put in one of the unmarked wings. Exactly the same as our second goal vs Costa Rica.

Donor

Yeah it has been the same system mostly but tweaked it some after Kei was traded since Ola wasn’t the aerial threat that Kei was and then as you mentioned, he took advantage of Zack’s ability to play the long ball

Donor

I think Gloster makes his Hannover debut next season, Sam Vines should be starting for Colorado this season, Danny Acosta is talented but sounds like he needs a bit of an attitude adjustment. Then there’s 17 y/o Stuart Ritchie getting minutes for Groningen’s reserve team already.

Donor

I think Gloster makes his Hannover debut next season, Sam Vines should be starting for Colorado this season, Danny Acosta is talented but sounds like he needs a bit of an attitude adjustment. Then there’s 17 y/o Stuart Ritchie getting minutes for Groningen’s reserve team already.

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I can attest to this. Newcastle fans are done with him, and he honestly doesn't deserve his spot. He's lucky that he plays a position where there's literally no one else at the club that could even be debated as a better option. Love the guy, he's an awesome person, but he's been crap this year.